For much of 2013 the S&P 500 adhered to two repetitive bullish patterns. In 2014 it rejected both patterns. The effect of this change of character is already visible, but will it lead to much more damage?

During much of 2013, the S&P 500 followed two predictably repetitive bullish patterns:

Persistence below resistance leads to higher prices.

Quickly recovered dips below trend line support lead to higher prices.

The S&P 500 (SNP: ^GSPC) chart below illustrates the bullish outcomes of both patterns with green rectangles and circles.

The red box highlights a change in character.

For much of 2014 the S&P 500 was bumping against resistance at 1,855.

In 2013 that kind of persistence around resistance would have been followed by a bullish break out. Not in 2014.

Furthermore, the S&P 500 (NYSEArca: SPY) dipped below trend line support on Friday. Unlike the October 2013 instance (green circle), where a dip below trend line was quickly reversed, the S&P 500 of 2014 continues to head south.

Simon Maierhofer is the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (stocks, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013.